Key Learning Areas | English | Maths | HSIE | Creative and Practical Arts |

Science and Technology and Environmental Studies

Science and Technology and the Environment is shared between two specialist teachers. First term was a busy and interesting one.

Stage one (Year 2) has been learning about weather. They have learnt how to use and read thermometers to find out which materials are best for keeping cool or warm. They have learnt about the water cycle and used an experiment on condensation to show how rain forms. They made windmills to show how wind is made through the movement of air. They also made a machine for measuring the direction of the wind.

Stage two (Years 3 and 4) have investigated buildings in a unit called Indoors, Outdoors and how people create specialised environments to meet specific needs. Classes explored the buildings in the local area and year three created a streetscape (complete with an underpass) of their findings while year four designed and made 3D houses overcoming the problems of making the design fit the reality.

Stage three (year 5 and 6) have been exploring Environment Matters. They began by investigating Australian habitats and discussing the reasons why these habitats are worth protecting. Year 6 spent a day learning about the importance of quarantine restrictions with the CSIRO. (see report from 6S and photos)

All classes are learning about thinking scientifically and have performed experiments, for example stage two investigating chemical reactions making playdough and stage three investigating the density of liquids.

We never know what is going to turn up in the Science room next. A dad, who is an amateur herpetologist brought along a collection of Australian pythons including a black headed python and a Bredles python to increase our familiarity of these interesting creatures. Our insect collection continues to grow with observant students always on the look out for interesting specimens. We have also become home to some phasmids (leaf insects) and are hoping to breed from them.